Page 14 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Chapter Four

Liv

The mention of theupcoming“Grandfriends Day”at school has my emotions in a jumble. Guilt eats at me as I remember their smiling faces, their zest for life.

Even though I haven’t seen Jerry for a few days, thoughts of him visiting his grandmother every week have my heart turning to mush. Does he have any idea how rare that is? How attractive that makes him as a human?

He sorted out my car. Daryl refused to charge me for the tow or the tyre. I’d sent Jerry another message of thanks, but apart from his simple reply of“No dramas”, I’ve heard nothing from him.Did I imagine the sizzle of attraction between us the other day?

While the children are with Mrs Cavalier in the library, I sort through my emails. There’s an email from a Nicola Masters.Lucas’s mother and local divorce lawyer.She asks me to contact her ASAP.

No time like the present.

After one ring, the call connects. “Nicola Masters,” she grunts.

I introduce myself and assure her Lucas is fine and that I’m calling as requested. “Is everything okay? How can I help?”

“Well,MissRosehill”—She says my name as if it leaves a bad taste in her mouth—“you can start by giving my child more attention.”

Oh, boy. It’s going to be that kind of call.Breathe. Hear her out. “Has something happened?” I try to attend to everyone, but some days other children require more assistance. Lucas is very capable, so I hope she doesn’t have concerns over how he’s progressing.

“He’s bored. Not being challenged.”

I bite down on my tongue. In Year One, kids are still easing into school life. There’s no need to place such high expectations on them, certainly not at the start of the school year.

“Okay. I understand. I’ll be doing some literacy assessments in the coming week, so I can talk to Lucas about where he feels he can be more challenged? Would that be okay?”

A huff echoes down the line. “You mean you can’t work that out for yourself after spending a full term with my child?”

“I, ah—”

“What is your experience teaching gifted children?” she barks.

“This is my first year of teaching, but I—”

“Great. Your first year,” she scoffs. “Then speak to the other teachers. Work out a strategy, and fast. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to move my son to another class.”

Wow. Okay. I’m not sure that’s the answer when her son has settled in and has made some good connections. As hard as I try to spread myself around, I’m one person, and it’s not easy to get learning support in the classroom. School funding is tight.

I swallow my pride. “I appreciate the feedback and will touch base with you next week.”

She mutters something about calling Gareth.This is the first time she’s raised concerns and she’s ready to go straight to the principal? Lady, give me a chance.

“I assure you, Mrs Masters, that I’ll do everything I can to support your son.”

“It’sMsMasters,” she bites. “If you read Lucas’s file you would know that.”

Bile climbs my throat.

She’s right. I’m a fraud. How can I expect to suitably teach a class of twenty-five students and meets all their individual needs?

***

After ushering thekids outside for breaktime, I walk to the teacher’s lounge. Bethany and Paula are by the window overlooking the playground, each nursing a mug. The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. I always feel as if I’m intruding around these two. I quietly retrieve my lunch from the fridge and refill my water bottle.

“Sharon was working the bar. Said he caused quite the stir,” Bethany says to Paula.

I follow their gaze to the line of tall trees. My heart thumps hard at the sight of Jerry working, his shirt tight across his chest, and those shorts, the way they hug his backside...

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